Six things to watch in Seattle Seahawks’ final week of OTAs

The Seattle Seahawks bring organized team activities (OTAs) to a close this week with the final four practices from the Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC) in Renton.

Tuesday’s session — the eighth out of 10 total — will be open to the media, which means another chance to see quarterback Russell Wilson and tight end Jimmy Graham building their on-field chemistry. They’ll go up against a star-studded Seahawks defense that will try to make things harder on them than they did last week, particularly in the red zone, where Wilson and Graham combined for at least five touchdown passes.

Check out the gallery below to see what will we be looking for in Tuesday’s final open OTA session.

<p><b><big>1. Archer making a case for No. 2?</b></big><br>
R.J. Archer has been one of two quarterbacks on the Seahawks' offseason roster throughout OTAs, splitting reps with B.J. Daniels for most of the first week, then playing behind Russell Wilson once Wilson returned from Florida. The former William & Mary and Arena Football League star has had his moments during the open sessions, but it seems like a foregone conclusion that the Hawks will bring in a veteran to compete with the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder for the backup spot. less

<p><b><big>1. Archer making a case for No. 2?</b></big><br>
R.J. Archer has been one of two quarterbacks on the Seahawks' offseason roster throughout OTAs, splitting reps with B.J. Daniels for most of the ... more

Photo: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

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<p><b><big>2. Rookie runners carrying the load</b></big><br>
Last week, with Marshawn Lynch absent, Robert Turbin recovering from hip surgery and Christine Michael banged-up, undrafted rookie running backs Thomas Rawls and Rod Smith got nearly all of the work in the backfield. Both looked impressive at times -- rather, as impressive as it's possible to look in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills with no live contact. Still, the team seems to like both backs -- Rawls (above) in particular -- so the competition bears watching throughout the offseason. less

<p><b><big>3. Center of attention</b></big><br>
After dealing away Max Unger as part of the package to get Graham in March, the Seahawks' starting center job appeared wide open as offseason workouts began. It still appears that way. Veteran Lemuel Jeanpierre has gotten reps with the starting unit, but offensive line coach Tom Cable named five players battling for the spot at last week's Seahawks town hall meeting. Cable also mentioned the competition was close to becoming a two-or three-man race, so the primary contenders for the job should become clear soon. less

<p><b><big>3. Center of attention</b></big><br>
After dealing away Max Unger as part of the package to get Graham in March, the Seahawks' starting center job appeared wide open as offseason workouts began. It ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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<p><b><big>4. Young defenders impress</b></big><br>
Several second- and third-year players in Seattle's defensive front seven stood out in the two prior open practices -- defensive ends Cassius Marsh, Greg Scruggs and Ryan Robinson and linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis, in particular. The rookies from Seattle's class of 2015, including second-round pick Frank Clark (above), haven't yet made a big impression. That's understandable, as the other players have had at least one season to learn the Seahawks system and practice expectations. less

<p><b><big>4. Young defenders impress</b></big><br>
Several second- and third-year players in Seattle's defensive front seven stood out in the two prior open practices -- defensive ends Cassius Marsh, Greg ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / seattlepi.com

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<p><b><big>5. Out of its depth</b></big><br>
The Seahawks secondary has its starting spots seemingly set for 2015, with free-agent signing Cary Williams joining Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. But beyond those four, it's anyone's guess who will be providing depth for the "Legion of Boom." DeShawn Shead seems likely to be one of the top backup safeties, with Steven Terrell and Dion Bailey battling for another spot. Veterans Will Blackmon and Marcus Burley are competing to take Jeremy Lane's nickel cornerback spot until he's back from injury. less

<p><b><big>5. Out of its depth</b></big><br>
The Seahawks secondary has its starting spots seemingly set for 2015, with free-agent signing Cary Williams joining Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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<p><b><big>6. Taking attendence</b></big><br>
A handful of Seahawks have missed OTAs while recovering form injury. A few more veterans -- running back Marshawn Lynch, linebacker Bruce Irvin and defensive ends Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett -- missed the first couple of weeks for a variety of reasons. Avril is back, according to photos on the team's site Monday, but none of the others are expected this week. They should all be in the fold for mandatory minicamp next week. Seventh-round draft pick Ryan Murphy (above) will also likely miss practice as he finishes up school at Oregon State. less

<p><b><big>6. Taking attendence</b></big><br>
A handful of Seahawks have missed OTAs while recovering form injury. A few more veterans -- running back Marshawn Lynch, linebacker Bruce Irvin and defensive ends ... more